Causes of Hypernatremia

Each electrolyte has a specific level in your dog’s body. A slight increase of concentration of electrolyte can alter body functions resulting to health complications.

Sodium, one of the body’s electrolytes, is needed in the transmission of nerve impulses and maintenance of acid-and-base balance in the body. When the amount of sodium in the blood is elevated, hypernatremia will occur.

Dogs that are diagnosed with hypernatremia have serum sodium concentration greater than 160 mEq/L. This is usually caused by the following conditions:

Increased sodium intake

Prolonged sodium retention

Excessive water loss

Diseases that stimulates water loss

In a world where everything is processed and pre-made, monitoring your pet’s sodium intake can be challenging. So it is important to check the product label first when purchasing ready-to-eat meals and prepackaged pet food products in the supermarket.

But do not overdo it. Getting too little sodium can wreak havoc their body. Give them sodium-rich foods and sodium supplements, if needed. Bentonite clay is rich in sodium, calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals that, when ingested, can act as a supplement that replaces the missing nutrients needed by the body. Also, it is also known as an effective detoxification tool that remove toxins from the body.